Were you one of the many thousands that said you’re ‘not going to crazy this Christmas?’ That you weren’t going to overspend this year or get yourself into debt at the expense of Christmas?

Having that mindset is brilliant and should be certainly something you continue with year in year out however for one reason or another it doesn’t always work out like that does it.

How to financially survive January and beyond?

Although we budget for christmas all year around we have struggled a little this year with other things that require our attention (or rather money!). It’s not always that simple to not get into debt at christmas or being that overwelmed with the things you feel you HAVE to buy that you just don’t enjoy it.

Throughout January I’m sharing with you some guest posts from fellow personal finance bloggers who either have experienced debt themselves or have the knowledge and experience to help you deal with any extra credit cards, overdrafts or loans you’ve racked up over the festive period.

To get you started on the right foot and in preparation for some of the amazing content you are going to be receiving, today I’ve decided to share with you my monthly budget planner.

I share this in the hope it will help you get your head around your money as far as getting down on paper your income and expenditure and help you manage your finances a little better.

This can be used by anyone not just those that are feeling the pinch of christmas; having your figures in front of you and in black and white can also keep you out of debt or help you work your way out of debt if you are currently in debt.

A budget planner allows you to see where you are overspending too and where most of your money is going.

Subscribe to receive your FREE budget planner now..

Since leaving my ‘guaranteed-income-every-month’ corporate job I realised we needed to look at our spends.

The mindset of being able to see exactly what is going in and out of your bank every month helps massively and if after everything is calculated your expenditure is higher than your income then you need to stop, think and do something about it.

If the reason for this is due to debt repayment then these up and coming debt related series of blog posts throughout the whole of January will 100% be of use to you (another reason to sign up to our newsletter and receive your FREE budget planner is to be notified of these as and when they go live too!)

If you have any questions or need any guidance on the budget planner just give me a shout or drop me an email and I will be happy to help.

Did you know it’s small business Saturday today? Because of that today I’ve decided to share with you my 6 surprising benefits of shopping locally… some you may already know about but some you might never have even realised!

Buying locally uses less plastic

Not only do small local businesses tend to use less packaging to keep their prices as low as they possible but plastic is used to protect and preserve products, which can make them cheaper to transport and last longer – and so cheaper for consumers. Local businesses don’t need to do that; most eateries bake/make fresh goods daily, greengrocers don’t package up their fresh vegetables and cafe’s reuse mugs/cups etc (just to name a few!).

Your money will go back into the local economy

Shopping locally will support your community. Indirectly your money will be going back into the local economy when you shop and will keep local producers in business.

Create local jobs

If a business is busy & making money then chances are they will soon need to invest some of that money into staff. These jobs will be taken by people locally.

You get better food

I don’t tend to buy much fruit from supermarkets anymore and spend £6/week on fruit and veg locally instead. Last month I noticed my local greengrocers didn’t have any swede out on display. I asked the lady behind the counter and she said they weren’t in season. My first thought was ‘but Asda have them in year round’ and then it got me thinking.

Why DO Asda have them in year round and HOW do they have them in year round if they’re not actually in season? Buying foods locally, for example from a greengrocers, will mean they stock what are actually in season; what are ripe & ready to eat. They won’t sell produce that has been preserved for months before from mass farming tactics or vegetables that aren’t as fresh or rather have the correct amount of vitamins in them that they should because they’ve been harvested a season too early.

You get a better shopping experience

You cannot beat the personal touch of a local business owner who knows the area, knows you and knows the majority of their customers that come through the door by their first name.

Local business support local charities

There are a lot of local businesses that support specific local charities. When you spend money in their stores you too maybe encouraged to pop your change in the charity box on the counter or notice a sponsor form for Dave to get his head shaved.

So the next time you pass your nearest fruit shop, bakery or haberdashery make it your aim that the next time you need something you head straight there.

How to manage your personal finances when freelance

I’ve been blogging for probably around 3 years however I’ve only really been making money from my blog for maybe a year.. if that! The odd bits of extra income above and beyond my regular corporate from both blogging and from offering my services as basically a virtual administrative assistant were lovely; however when you no longer have the luxury of a permanent job paying you the same amount month in month out it does make you more conscious of your money.

What is a freelancer?

If you don’t know what a freelancer is; it’s a person who works as a writer, designer, virtual assistant or the like, selling work or services by the hour, day, job, etc rather than working on a regular salary basis for one employer. For example freelance copywriter would complete a piece of work, submit to a client and bill for their time and efforts, a virtual personal assistant would reply to emails or take telephone calls and again bill the client for the time spent on that specific project.

Although working freelance is a great way to earn a little bit of ‘extra’ cash when you have a bit of ‘extra’ time but it’s you can’t class it as ‘extra’ money when you’re needing that money more so than ever to live off and keep a roof over your head!

There are so many things that didn’t even enter my mind before leaving my permanent employment but the fact that it all happened very quickly was probably a good thing. Since becoming a self employed virtual assistant and working from home I’m having to ask myself questions constantly and monitor my finances like crazy!

Surprisingly to some, the money element hasn’t necessarily been the biggest anxiety trigger I’ve come across since going freelance but perhaps that’s because I feel I’m getting use to having a variable income and if I earn more brilliant but my aim is to never earn less than I used to earn at my corporate job.

I have a spreadsheet with all my outgoings on but I no longer have a set amount coming in each month so how do I actually manage my money?

Managing my money when self employed

Since leaving school I’ve always known what I’m expected to be paid at the end of every month; I’ve paid and had contributions made by my employer towards my pensions for the past 13 years and even NINO and tax… I haven’t even thought about any of that since leaving the corporate world!

Well until I attended the UK Money Bloggers awards last week and that my friend is where my eyes were opened… wide!

There were some amazing panel discussions that covered debt repayment, emergency funds and pensions but there was just one of the many talks that really hit home with me; a topic about your financial future.

It was later that same day that I was introduced to the team at Multiply. Multiply is a personal finance app that help particularly freelancers and self employed people with the management of personal finances and plan for the future. Since listening to the finance experts on the panels last week and downloading the Multiply app; I’ve realised there are quite a few things that I really need to start thinking about now I’m self employed.

As I’ve already mentioned, when I was in employment my freelance business and blog had always just been ‘extra money’ and has always been reinvested one way or another into my business but now it’s my actual income and I need it to pay bills and keep a roof over our heads I look at in a whole new light.

I now have what I need right in front of me to keep a track of my variable monthly income and contribute to the things I’ve previously just brushed under the carpet.

Because my income changes each month I am on a flexible plan where I just update the app with my monthly income and it automatically updates everything within my plan.

For example as you can see below it’s telling me that my priority should be to create an emergency fund. It’s something we don’t have and have never have to be fair so we really need to think about putting aside some money and saving like hell for that bugger!

An emergency fund is not just for the car breaking down or washer flooding the kitchen type emergencies (don’t get me wrong it would help massively with these too!) but it’s also there to cover a lack in wage one month perhaps; something that is extremely common as far as being a freelancer because we don’t have a consistent income.

Unfortunately my calculations from last month suggest that I can’t really afford to put anything away towards it however all being well when I update it at the end of this month, if my income has increased it will suggest an amount I put away immediately.

Again due to my income from last month I’m unfortunately unable to again put anything into my Pension.

It’s another something I need to sort out as a matter of urgency to be fair but I do still have my government one on hold so I at least have something. I’m just no longer paying into anything … I want to also make this a priority so really need to get meal planning and save elsewhere!

I needn’t be too disheartened about not being able to pay into anything yet though – all being well due to my variable income I may be able to more in next month to make it up. Thats the flexibility with it; if I don’t have it I don’t have it but with this app managing your money it will not leave you short or encourage you to put money somewhere leaving you with little or nothing.

Within the pension section of the Multiply plan there is also a pension calculator so I can see what I will get from my state pension at 67 but if I was in a position to put some away I would alter the monthly contribution of which would adjust the private fund accordingly.

Managing finances is one of the hardest things to do when you have no idea how much you are bringing home each month but Multiply really helps you to see the bigger picture and allows you to not only plan for this or next month but in the years to come too.

If you feel this post is been of use to you then please feel free to share or you know of any other freelances that may benefit then again pass it on!

I’ll openly admit to anyone that I have no fashion sense. Ok so a little extreme… maybe very little… VERY little! It is extremely rare that I walk into a shop, admire something on a hanger and actually see myself in it. Unless I see it on someone else or the store have put it together as an outfit on a mannequin I just have no confidence of what actually goes together and what doesn’t.

Stylish Instagram Mums

This is one of the reasons I LOVE Instagram… I LOVE seeing real people who have similar shaped bodies to me, people who have similar interests (Mum’s!) and a fashion sense that if I had some I would have similar too I’m sure!

I’m sharing today 5 of my favourite Instagram ladies. These are thebest Instagrams to follow for fashion-savvy Mums! They may not even be strictly fashion ‘grammers but they all have a style that I admire so much and head on over to keep up to date with new fashion trends. (To be fair even their kids are more stylish than me!).

Click the photos to see each Mums feed for yourself… & in no particular order… (I feel like I’m on I’m a Celebrity!) …

Rebecca @littleowl_

My fellow Yorkshire gal who too loves Disney to death!

I picked up this very dress from Peacocks after seeing it on Rebecca a few weeks ago. Something I loved and is very much me, but also something I would never have picked up and tried on if I hadn’t have seen it on someone else!

Emma @mumofmadlads

Southern Mum to the two mad lads Xander and Eden and wife to dadofmadlads

I’m pretty sure this lady has some fashion experience behind her and I know I must sound so ignorant not knowing but I’m sure I saw not that long ago on one of her stories that she has in the past been very involved in fashion (or still is!)… if she isn’t they she should be because I could’ve told you she has a natural fashion flare (if you like!) just from her feed!

Renee @mummy.style

Renee is my fellow Inner Circle Mamapreneur!

I found out only last week that she has in fact styled Holly Willoughby and Myleene Klass! She has some amazing offers over on her page that I really need to take advantage of to be fair but go check her out if you too are stuck in a fashion rut!

Hannah @whathannahdidnext

Wife to amazing photographer and videographer Alex I found Hannah from her husbands love of making films and sharing them on the internet (pretty much!)

If Hannah’s fashion and natural existence in front of the camera didn’t exist I’m not sure Alex would have the capacity to fulfil his photography dream to be fair 😉 😉 but I guess it was his creativity brought me to Hannah; another natural beauty who pulls off anything she wears!

Katie @mummydaddyme

Katie another fellow Florida love who I will always remember as not only a ridiculously stylish mum but also someone who replies to you!

Now all of these ladies do… don’t get me wrong but it’s extremely rare that you get someone with such a high following who actually genuinely replies to you. God now I sound like a stalker! I’m really not… she probably won’t even realise that I comment or remember any of my messages whatsoever (she has 3 kids for goodness sake and I don’t comment THAT much.. honest!) I just mean when I do reply with a comment on one of her instagram stories complimenting her style or even just with a laughing emoji face it isn’t just a double tap she replies with it’s an actual reply! Even just replying with an emoji that you’ve actually typed out instead of double tapping a comment that you haven’t even read just makes her feel more real (ok now I sound like I’m in love with her or something!)

Katies favourite outfit for me has to be her Nemo jumper… it is seriously the best jumper I have EVER seen! Go check it out over on her feed it will make you smile!

All these ladies are seen in both high street and affordable clothing which I love… it makes me realise just by looking at each and everyone actually maybe I can pull that off too so ladies I thank you for giving me the confidence without even realising! 🙂

With so many other bloggers doing exactly the same thing and Harriet very kindly posting our Q&A style posts daily throughout April it’s really opened my eyes to how stress affects us all one way or another and have even picked up a few tips from how other people cope. I wanted to share with you over here though too my answers to Harriets Q&A and if you do want to read more from other people be sure to head on over to tobyandroo.com

How I deal with stress (or don’t deal with it!)

Since having children she has encountered mental health issues including stress, anxiety and depression mainly caused by her role in the public sector. She regular talks across all her networks about the way she is now, after 5 years of struggle, getting the help she needs in the form of medication and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

1.) Do you suﬀer with stress frequently or occasionally?

Very frequently. I remember going to doctors and telling him how I was feeling wasn’t right, I was stressed, I was struggling to concentrate and was encountering some discrimination in a job role I had been in for 5 years prior purely because I had decided it was the right time in my life to have a child and I chose to go part time; doctor told me that i was feeling the way I was feeling because I was now a parent! I chose this life so pretty much put up and shut up was the impression I got from him! So I did….. for 5 whole years!! 🤦🏻‍♀️

2.) What sort of things cause you stress? Work, family, parenthood – no right or wrong answer, it can be anything.

Work! I 100% bloody love being a parent… I would have a football team if I could but unfortunately my mind overrules my heart because it’s the stuff that goes alongside being a parent; the doing things not necessarily for you but ‘what’s best for the family’ that i’m struggling with at the moment. I can see me retiring and regretting completely how long I spent stressed and how often I woke up daily on work days with heightened anxiety but right now there not much I can do about it (but believe me I am working very hard towards it though!)

3.) Does anything in particular make stress worse for you? For example, workplace pressure or lack of understanding from friends/family that stress is a real mental health issue.

I think there’s been a few factors for the way I’m feeling at the moment; if I hadn’t encountered the discrimination when I returned to work with my first born, if my doctor had diagnosed me with what they now say probably started off at Post Natal Depression and I didn’t have to go down the flexible working appeal route AGAIN after been made to feel that ‘childcare was something I should’ve thought about before I had children’ them yes I probably wouldn’t be feeling the way I am feeling right now!

4.) Does stress have an impact on your physical health?

Yes it does; I’m on an anti-depressants at the moment and have been for a good 18 months now as it’s those that get me up in the morning. Without them, especially on work days I just would want to stay in bed!

5.) What do you do to alleviate stress?

I vlog! Some might think it’s crazy and it is timely (the editing!) but I fine it ridiculously therapeutic to talk to no one (even though I know technically I’m talking to thousands) I feel I can say what I want, when I want and be me, I don’t have to not say anything in case I come across as being negative and if I don’t have time to edit or I don’t feel like editing; I don’t edit. My audience are so understanding and they totally get if there isn’t an upload there isn’t an upload… but I am constantly in front of a camera because it makes me feel so good!

In addition to vlogging I love running too; but I have to really be in that frame of mind to go otherwise (like for the past couple of months!) I’ll not go.

6.) Do you think more needs to be done to raise awareness of what causes stress and the impact it has on us and those around us? If yes, what would you do or like to see done?

Yes 100%! I’m loving all the flexible working campaigns that are continuously helping not only employees but employers too. I would love to get on board with someone similar. Businesses, MD’s, managers etc also need to understand that people are people and not just number.

7.) Do you have any tips for anyone dealing with stress.

As I’ve already mentioned I LOVE to share with others across all my networks about things that I do; I would never say do this, that and the other because I know how difficult it is to do anything some days and I very much praise the small things but I love sharing what works for me. I’ve had so many messages from people saying thank you I am really touched that by sharing my struggles can help so many realise that small physically achievements are big mental achievements when it come to mental health issues. But if I had one tip I would say try everything… there’s something for everyone you’ve just got find what that something is for YOU!

Some will be reading this and thinking… ‘whaaaat? You mean it’s actually possible to balance your household whilst working?’ I thought exactly the same when I was working in a corporate environment! I’m fortunate now to be working from home but I still have struggles with balance. It helps massively that I am at home more often than not and I can stick some bleach down the toilet when I go to the loo and wipe down the sink when I was my hands but if you would like 7 tips on working & balancing your household then read on!

Meal plan

We’ve all got to eat but if like me you are just creating concoctions of meals with the majority of which being freezer food I am with you! I created a printable that you can all, as a family, list everyones favourite meals. I call that stage 1. How much further you want to take it is entirely up to you; stage 2 would be shopping for your list and then batch cooking where possible but even just taking that first step to elevate you having to even think about what’s for tea will help massively.

Subscribe for a FREE printable and make a start on saving money on your food shop by planning your meals!

Make the mornings easier

If you don’t already be sure to get everything ready to go the night before. Packed lunches can stay in the fridge overnight, PE bags, book bags and jackets can be hung on the front door handle ready to pick up as you leave and shoes on the mat can literally be slipped on.

Share the chores

This may not go down overly well but explain to those in your family that the more often everyone gets involved the more fun family time we ALL have. You cannot do everything yourself. You are a team. Create a rota or a list of chores that need doing per day/per week and ask which one people would like to do. They have to chose one… there’s no getting away from it! Be sure to add on your chore list the ways you can make the mornings easier. The kids know what they need to take to school the next day so get them to make sure they have their PE kit on the door ready to go as they walk past it to bed.

Be firm

Whilst we are making tea my children set the table, get their drinks and sometimes(!) empty the dishwasher for me… if they don’t make their drinks of set the table they don’t have a drink with tea of have anything to eat there dinner with… simple!

It’s not always easy and sometimes a challenge especially if it means them having to put the iPad or Playstation controller down for 5 minutes but they do do it every night pretty much without fail… otherwise I ‘will come in there and turn it off’! 😉

Be motivated

It’s sometimes difficult to be motivated by your loved ones who also works full time because they probably can’t be bothered to do what you can’t be bothered to do either! I am loving all these ladies who are popping up, particularly on Instagram, helping people with their cleaning regimes and so much more. There are some that you will not be able to relate to. Some you may even resent (yes resent!). There are a few out there that are sharing with you hints and tips on ways to organise your home and life but 1) don’t work 2) don’t have children and 3) live alone in a pristine house that probably requires no cleaning whatsoever! Don’t get to disheartened just unfollow and find someone else. I follow #TeamTOMM she is a working mum who is realistic in what parents can achieve as far as balance and organisation is concerned. Check her out on Instagram…. www.instagram.com/the_organised_mum

Track your time

The organised mum has a 3 level cleaning routine level 1 being every day jobs, level 2 being specific tasks (limited to 30 minutes!) and level 3 Friday focus.

I don’t know about you but when I start cleaning/tidying I always end up starting on something else. I will start to just give the living room a quite 2 minute tidy up the living room and then end up moving the sofa and mopping the floor. I don’t need to do that… I could use that time to probably tidy every single worktop, table, sideboard in the whole downstairs. Team TOMM is all about routine and consistency… the longer you follow the method the cleaner you’re house will be coming and it will be easier and quicker to clean.

No housework on a weekend

Now this is hard… but it’s something I try and aim for every week (and fail even working from home!) but wouldn’t it be nice to do all your housework during the week and not do a single thing (obviously apart from your level 1 every day jobs; loading the dishwasher, laundry & wiping down the bathroom. I WILL one day achieve this though.. TeamTOMM will make sure of that I’m sure!

Everybody see’s balance different.. what works for one might not work for another but I hope even if you take just one thing away from this post it helps you to create YOUR work life balance. Also note it doesn’t actually have to balance 50/50… aim for life satisfaction not necessarily balance because chances are it will never be 50/50.

I hope this has been of help… if you got value from this post and feel someone else might benefit from it too then feel free to share 🙂

I’ve not specifically noticed that I suffer from the winter blues, also known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder), but I do know it’s harder than ever to get up to the dark mornings and evenings seems to last forever… it gets dark at 4pm! I’m interested to see how I feel this year with no work to get up for… was it work that MADE me get up and at it or will I notice my depression more this year? Here are my tips to overcome the winter blues.

Winter blues can also be medically described as SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and effects so many people without them even realising! It usually causing depressive states from autumn through winter with positive changes being noticed in the spring when the clocks change and the we have more light present during the day.

There are tons of tried and tested hints and tips out there that you could try should you start feeling a little low around this time of year but here are my top 5.

Last year I read (or actually listened too via Audible!) the 5 second rule by Mel Robbins. It was one of the only books I’ve read in along time and at a time I really needed it; it helped with my motivation massively! Instead of waking up to the alarm and snoozing it it tells you to just get up…. don’t let your brain think anything other than ‘get up’. I can not recommend this as a book to read before the dark mornings start creeping in. You can grab it free with a 30 day trial of audible too!

Get out and soak up as much as the daylight while it’s there as you can. Make it an aim to go out at lunch time even if it’s just a 15 minute walk every single day.If you can turn that into a run then brilliant! Exercise is said to be a excellent for those suffering with SAD.

It’s also said that being conscious of your diet will help too so be sure to stock those cupboards with fruits instead of carb’s or chocolate. If they’re not there you won’t be tempted to just sit and eat anything you can get your hands on!

Subscribe for a FREE printable and make a start on planning your winter meals!

Get a hobby. Is there something you enjoy, that takes you into a world of your own and before you know it it’s 2 hours later? Find something to do that will take your mind off the depressing dark evenings. Why not start a blog!?

Take a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D is said to improve the feeling SAD brings so next time you’re shopping pick some up! It’s not a prescribed medicine, it’s a vitamin and should be readily available down the medicine aisle of a supermarket.

I hope this has helped anyone who maybe needing a bit of a boost at this time of year. If you too suffer with SAD and have any other tips to share then feel free to leave a comment down below and share with anyone you may feel would benefit from this post.

A lot of schools throughout the UK have already had their October half term however I realised only this week that ours actually starts on Friday!! I quickly started researching local (cheap!) attractions and have put together a list of free and low cost things to do this autumn because if I don’t plan, the week will just go to waste and the kids will be back at school before we know it!

Decorate the house for fall

I had hoped to get some fall decoration up before now but having just two weeks ago lost our eldest dog I haven’t felt up to it until now. If I don’t get it done this week then I will for sure involve the kids next week and decorate the house for fall and Halloween.

Visit a stately home

Locally to us we have Burton Constable Hall and Sewerby Hall that both have on low cost Halloween events. We are very fortunate that although our autumn half term is a week after a lot of other peoples around the country it’s smack bang on Halloween so we always have a lot of things to do.

Burton Constable entry is £11/adult and £6.50 a child (my 4 year old is just £1!).

They have a spooky bat trail, a pumpkin trail and a witches hat trail. They do face painting (£2), spooky story telling and have a fancy dress competition too!

I imagine we will be there pretty much all day!

Pick a pumpkin

I’m not sure if by next week there will be many left but it’s something I’ve never EVER done and I’d love some small cute pumpkins to add to my fall decoration 🙂

Visit a garden Centre

Garden centres are another place that will no doubt be all done up for Halloween and autumn – some even have events on too!

Visit the woods!

I want (no no no I NEED!) some autumnal pictures for Instagram A-SAP! 😉

I hope this has given you a few ideas of free and low cost things to do this autumn & feel free to share with anyone that may benefit from this post as well.

I’m not a massive fan of scary movies… I don’t really get them! I’ve only ever seen Scream, Jeepers Creepers and Haunted Mansion ;). I don’t think I’m a fan because the ones I have seen I’ve seen them at home with all the lights on and just haven’t found them that realistic AT ALL! I imagine there are some films out there that are a lot more real than the three I’ve mentioned and you get a more realistic feel if you watch them in the cinema but due to the lack of horror films in my life I think I’m also in a pretty good position to list my [funny] 8 things scary movies teach you about life!

If you hear or see anything scary or weird just get out….!

Don’t go back! Why the hell would you!? And whatever you do don’t ask if there is someone there… now you’re just asking for trouble!

Never play an oiwiji board in your own house…. EVER!

Unless you want nightmares for the rest of your life just don’t! Same goes for old board games and puzzles… I mean have you seen Jumanji!!?

Never listen to your children when they say they have an imaginary friend …

…move house NOW and don’t take them with you!!

Never split up!

And anyone suggests you should go your separate ways on the hunt for something refuse! Never go anywhere alone!

Never stand over a killer

..wondering if they are dead…. bloody run!

Cardio is super important!

I mean adrenaline and the fact you would be bricking it if you needed to run from someone might help but next time you’re on the treadmill keep your focus on the person chasing you with a chainsaw and learn how to run without falling down at a really inappropriate time.

Never take a shortcut

..through the woods, across a field or a graveyard… even during the day!

Repeating a phrase 3 times over in the mirror…?

You deserve everything you get!

I hope this light hearted post made you smile… feel free to share with anyone else who is not the biggest fan and little cynical about scary movies 😉

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About

Are you looking for hints and tips to stretch the family budget or do you just want to ensure you’re getting the best for your buck at all times?

Then this mummy saving expert is here for you!

I’m Kirsty. A mother of two (three if you include the hubby!). I created this blog back in 2016 as a way to make myself accountable for the savings I had to make myself to my day to life after reducing my hours at work. Childcare costs meant I was pretty much working for nothing!

My aim is to help you live the good life for less. To do that I not only confidently share with my readers tried and tested ways to make, save and spend your money wisely; but I also write about a range of other parenting topics including my mental health battles as a working mum because you needn’t pay a fortune to look after yourself either!